Portable suitcase and handle structure

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides portable suitcases with an adjustable and retractable pulling handle.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to luggage items, and in particular to portable suitcases and adjustable and retractable pulling handle thereof.

BACKGROUND

Portable suitcases generally include a telescopic handle that can be extended by the user to a predefined height for easier pulling of the suitcase. The handle is generally positioned on the backside of the suitcase so that the suitcase may interfere the user while walking and pulling the suitcase behind or beside.

In addition, the position of the handle usually forces the user to lean the suitcase in order to be able to pull it. Other suitcases, that comprise four wheels are aimed at solving the need of leaning the suitcase. However, under certain conditions, such as when moving uphill, or walking in a bumpy road or sidewalk where wheels tend to stuck, or when rushing and walking relatively fast, the user is forced to lean the suitcase to one side, i.e. towards the side where the handle is located, and pull the suitcase on two-wheels. Such leaning of the suitcase puts a heavy burden on the user's body, especially when the suitcase is heavy, since part of the weight falls on the user pulling the leaned suitcase.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a solution to all the above-mentioned problems and others.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a handle structure 100 for a wheeled luggage/suitcase 12, said handle structure comprising a grip 101, an upper extendable bar 26, a lower extendable bar 16, and a locking/releasing mechanism, wherein: said handle structure 100 has a closed/folded state in which the handle structure 100 does not extend beyond the suitcase's edges, and an open/extracted state enabling pulling the suitcase 12, and said upper extendable bar 26 is capable of moving essentially along axis 20, and said lower extendable bar 16 is capable of moving essentially along axis 18, thereby enabling positioning said grip 101 at any desired height according to a user's comfort.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides suitcase 12 equipped with a handle structure 100 of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1E illustrate standard 4-wheeled suitcase: FIG. 1A is a 3D front view; FIG. 1B is a side view; FIG. 1C is a rear view; FIG. 1D illustrates the tilting of the suitcase during pulling; and FIG. 1E illustrates pulling of a suitcase on all four wheels and the forces applied on the user's wrist.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate a 4-wheeled suitcase with a handle structure of the invention: FIG. 2A illustrates the suitcase with the handle structure in a folded state; FIG. 2B illustrates the suitcase with the handle structure in an extracted state; and FIG. 2C illustrates an embodiment of the up&down movement of the lower extractable bar between folded and extracted states.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate 4-wheeled suitcases with a handle structure of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

When traveling, a person usually uses a suitcase to carry his/her belongings to the destination. However, due to the volume of items in the suitcase, it is usually heavy and can reach a weight of over 20 kg. As such, it is uncomfortable to lift-carry the suitcase, and in order to reduce the weight the user needs to lift, most suitcases are equipped with wheels designed to enable the user to simply roll the suitcase along.

In order to roll the suitcase, it is usually equipped with one or two pairs of wheels and a pulling handle, located at the broad-side/back of the suitcase (indicated as “W” in FIGS. 1A-1D). The position of the pulling handle is such that when the suitcase is laid down for opening, it is located at the bottom (so it does not interfere with the opening and filling/emptying the suitcase). This positioning of the pulling handle also aids in pulling the suitcase by making it easier to tilt the suitcase (FIG. 1D) since tilting over is easier when doing so against the wider side (W) of the suitcase relative to its narrower side/depth of the suitcase (indicated as “D”).

However, although this positioning of the pulling handle simplifies puling the suitcase by tilting and subsequently pulling it on two wheels, it makes the pulling of the suitcase on all four wheels uncomfortable, since the user if forced to hold the suitcase in an unnatural angle while puling the weight of the suitcase along, an angle that strains the wrist (see illustrated in FIG. 1E—dashed arrow applying pulling forces on the wrist against the walking direction).

As such, it is advisable to place the pulling handle on the narrow-side (D) of the suitcase for easier pulling of the suitcase on all four wheels. Such positioning of the pulling handle on the narrow-side (D) of the suitcase further positions the handle in a comfortable pulling handle and reduces the chance that the suitcase will interfere with the legs of the pulling person. Nevertheless, this positioning is also problematic since it may interrupt the opening of the suitcase and further makes it harder to tilt the suitcase when needed, e.g. when walking fast or when pulling the suitcase on a hard terrain such as bumpy road or uphill, which adds difficulty to the pulling of the suitcase.

The design of the present pulling handle 100 overcomes all the above problems and provides easy carrying of the suitcase on all four wheels without the need to tilt it, even at hard terrain or fast walking.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention relates to a portable suitcase 12 with a pulling mechanism which includes a retractable telescopic pulling handle 100 and a positioning mechanism which may allow the handle to slide horizontally to a convenient position on the suitcase while the suitcase is pulled from beside or behind the user. In some embodiments, the positioning mechanism may include a horizontal track along a section of the suitcase 12 and a sliding joint attached to a bottom end of the handle. The joint may slide inside the tracks allowing the handle to move to a comfortable handle pulling position as the user walks and pulls the suitcase 12.

Accordingly, in a first aspect the present invention provides a handle structure 100 for a wheeled luggage/suitcase 12, said handle structure comprising a grip 101, an upper extendable bar 26, a lower extendable bar 16, and a locking/releasing mechanism, wherein: said handle structure 100 has a closed/folded state (exemplified in FIG. 2A) in which the handle structure 100 does not extend beyond the suitcase's edges, and an open/extracted state (exemplified in FIG. 2B) enabling pulling the suitcase 12, and said upper extendable bar 26 is capable of moving essentially along axis 20, and said lower extendable bar 16 is capable of moving essentially along axis 18, thereby enabling positioning said grip 101 at any desired height according to a user's comfort.

The terms “moving essentially along axis 20” and “moving essentially along axis 18”, refer to the movement direction of the upper- and lower-extendable bars 26,16, respectively. In certain embodiments, axis 20 is orthogonal to axis 18. In certain embodiments, axis 20 is parallel to the ground (when the suitcase is standing up). In certain embodiments, axis 18 is an angle between 20° to 60° (angle α) to the suitcase's sidewall.

The opening/extraction of the handle structure 100 of the invention enables a user to pull the suitcase 12 on its four wheels without tilting it over in any terrain or when walking fast. The positioning of the grip 101 in the opened/extracted state is such that any pulling force is applied essentially on the center-of-mass of the suitcase 12 or to a point below it (i.e. closer to the ground), thereby assisting in reducing weight burden during pulling, and eliminates the need of tilting the suitcase 12 when pulled in hard terrain, such as a bumpy road or uphill, or when walking fast.

In certain embodiments, when the handle structure 100 of the invention is in open/extracted state positions the grip 101 is positioned/located at such a point that when a user applies a pulling force, i.e. pulls the suitcase 12, the pulling force is applied onto the suitcase's center of gravity thereby minimizing any effect of the suitcase's weight on the user's arm/wrist.

It is well known that when pulling or pushing an object, the point of applying the pushing/puling force is critical. The upper the point is, the higher the risk is that the object will tilt over and fall. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, when the handle structure 100 of the invention is in opened/extracted state, when pulling the suitcase 12 via the grip 101 the pulling force is applied on or below the center-of-mass of the suitcase 12. In specific embodiments, the pulling force is applied below the center-of-mass and essentially as close as possible to the bottom of the suitcase (i.e. closer to the ground), thereby eliminates the risk of tilting the suitcase 12 when pulled, e.g., in hard terrain or when walking relatively fast.

The term “center of mass” as used herein relates to the unique point where the weighted relative position of the distributed mass in space sums to zero. A force that is applied to this point will cause a linear acceleration of the suitcase 12 without an angular acceleration that will cause tilting of the suitcase 12.

The handle structure 100 of the invention is designed to remain in closed state while not in use, i.e. when the suitcase 12 is not being pulled. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the locking/releasing mechanism thereof maintains said handle structure 100 at its closed/folded state and prevents unintentional extraction thereof. In specific embodiments, the handle structure 100 of any of the embodiments above further comprises a releasing mechanism/button, designed to release said locking/releasing mechanism. A non-limiting example of such a releasing mechanism/button, is a lever located at the grip 101, that when pressed releases the locking/releasing mechanism.

In certain embodiments, the handle structure 100 of any of the embodiments above is designed to return to its closed state automatically when the grip 101 is released. In such a configuration, the handle structure 100 may further comprise an automatic retraction mechanism, e.g. spring or pneumatic element, designed to return the handle structure 100 back to its closed/folded state upon releasing of the grip 101. In specific embodiments, the lower extendable bar 16 and/or the upper extendable bar 26 comprise or contain a retractable element, such as a spring or a pneumatic element/rod. In specific embodiments of the handle structure 100 of the above embodiments, the lower extendable bar 16 and/or the upper extendable bar 26 are a telescopic arm/rod.

In some embodiments, the retractable telescopic pulling handle includes an internal spring mechanism which may allow the length of the handle to self-adjust (shorten or lengthen) according to the pulling force applied by the user as the user walks with the suitcase 12.

In certain embodiments, the handle structure 100 of any of the embodiments above the grip 101 is connected via a hinge/joint 28 that enables tilting the grip 101 in any angle, thereby aiding in reducing forces applied on the wrist of the user. In specific embodiments, the hinge connects the grip 101 to the lower extendable bar 16. In alternative specific embodiments, the hinge connects the grip 101 to the upper extendable bar 26.

The handle structure 100 of any of the embodiment above is capable of moving from a closed state to an open state and vise-versa. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the upper extendable bar 26 is capable of moving essentially only along axis 20, i.e. left and right relative to the body of the suitcase. In specific embodiments, the moving is parallel to the ground (when the suitcase 12 is sanding up). In alternative specific embodiments, the moving is essentially parallel to the ground (when the suitcase 12 is sanding up), i.e. in an angle of between −25° to 25° relative to the ground. In alternative specific embodiments, the upper extendable bar 26 can first move only is parallel to the ground (when the suitcase 12 is sanding up) and only once it is fully extracted, can tilt up or down.

The handle may be attached to a telescopic rod on the suitcase body, which allows the user to set the angle of the handle relative to the suitcase, and thereby the distance from a pulling grasp on an upper end of the handle, so as to prevent the suitcase from interfering with the user's legs while walking.

In certain embodiments of the handle structure 100 of any of the embodiments above, the suitcase comprises a hollow recess/chamber into which the upper extendable bar 26 enters when the handle structure 100 is in a folded state. In alternative or addition embodiments, the handle structure 100 of any of the embodiments above or the suitcase further comprise a hollow recess/chamber into which the lower extendable bar 16 enters when the handle structure 100 is in a folded state. In specific embodiments, the handle structure 100 of any of the embodiments above, comprises a recess/chamber into which both the lower extendable bar 16 and the upper extendable bar 26 enter when the handle structure 100 is in a folded state.

In certain embodiments of the handle structure 100 of any of the embodiments above, the lower extendable bar 16 is anchored to a fixed point via, e.g. a hinge, enabling tilting the bar 16 in any angle α (see illustrated in FIG. 2B). In alternative embodiments, the lower extendable bar 16 is anchored to a moving point that enables the anchoring point to move up and down along the height of the suitcase H. Non-limiting example of such a mechanism is a rail that the bar 16 moves in. Such a configuration adds another aspect of height-adjustability to the handle/grip and may assist in the folding and storing of the handle structure 100 in closed state. In alternative specific embodiments of the handle structure 100 of any of the embodiments above, the lower extendable bar 16 is anchored to a moving point via a hinge, thereby enabling both movement of the anchoring point of the bar 16 up and down along the height of the suitcase H as well tilting the bar 16 in any angle α (see illustrated in FIG. 2C). Non-limiting example of such a mechanism is a rail that the hinge moves in, wherein the bar 16 is attached to the hinge.

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a handle structure 100 for a wheeled luggage/suitcase 12, said handle structure comprising a grip 101, an upper extendable bar 26, a lower extendable bar 16, and a locking/releasing mechanism, wherein: (a) said handle structure 100 has a closed/folded state in which the handle structure 100 does not extend beyond the suitcase's edges, and an open/extracted state enabling pulling the suitcase 12, and (b) said upper extendable bar 26 is capable of moving essentially along axis 20, and said lower extendable bar 16 is capable of moving essentially along axis 18, thereby enabling positioning said grip 101 at any desired height according to a user's comfort, wherein: (i) when in open/extracted state positions the grip 101 at a point that enables applying a pulling force on the suitcase's center of gravity; (ii) said locking/releasing mechanism maintains said handle structure 100 at its closed/folded state and prevents unintentional extraction thereof; and (iii) said lower extendable bar 16 and/or said upper extendable bar 26 are a telescopic arm/rod.

In specific embodiments thereof, the handle structure 100 further comprises at least one of: (a) a releasing mechanism/button, designed to release said locking/releasing mechanism; (b) an automatic retraction mechanism designed to return the handle structure 100 back to its closed/folded state upon releasing of the grip 101; (c) a hinge/joint 28 connecting the grip 101 to the lower extendable bar 16 or to the upper extendable bar 26 enabling tilting the grip 101 in any angle.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a portable wheeled suitcase 12 equipped with the handle structure 100 of any of the embodiments above.

In specific embodiments, the present invention provides a portable wheeled suitcase 12 equipped with a handle structure 100 for a wheeled luggage/suitcase 12, said handle structure comprising a grip 101, an upper extendable bar 26, a lower extendable bar 16, and a locking/releasing mechanism, wherein: said handle structure 100 has a closed/folded state in which the handle structure 100 does not extend beyond the suitcase's edges, and an open/extracted state enabling pulling the suitcase 12, and said upper extendable bar 26 is capable of moving essentially along axis 20, and said lower extendable bar 16 is capable of moving essentially along axis 18, thereby enabling positioning said grip 101 at any desired height according to a user's comfort.

In other specific embodiments, the present invention provides a portable wheeled suitcase 12 equipped with a handle structure 100 for a wheeled luggage/suitcase 12, said handle structure comprising a grip 101, an upper extendable bar 26, a lower extendable bar 16, and a locking/releasing mechanism, wherein: (a) said handle structure 100 has a closed/folded state in which the handle structure 100 does not extend beyond the suitcase's edges, and an open/extracted state enabling pulling the suitcase 12, and (b) said upper extendable bar 26 is capable of moving essentially along axis 20, and said lower extendable bar 16 is capable of moving essentially along axis 18, thereby enabling positioning said grip 101 at any desired height according to a user's comfort, wherein: (i) when in open/extracted state positions the grip 101 at a point that enables applying a pulling force on the suitcase's center of gravity; (ii) said locking/releasing mechanism maintains said handle structure 100 at its closed/folded state and prevents unintentional extraction thereof; and (iii) said lower extendable bar 16 and/or said upper extendable bar 26 are a telescopic arm/rod.

As explained above, in standard suitcases, where the pulling handle is positioned at the wide-side thereof, the opening of the suitcase must be on the other side of the suitcase relative to the position of the pulling handle (see illustrated in FIG. 1A). This means that in order to search for a specific item in the suitcase the user is forced to dig into the packed belongings. However, the position of the handle structure 100 of the invention at the narrow side of the suitcase 12 eliminates the necessity of placing the opening of the suitcase on one side. Accordingly, in specific embodiments, the portable suitcase 12 equipped with the handle structure 100 according to the invention comprises two opening positioned on both wide sides of the suitcase. In this configuration, the user can lay the suitcase on either side and open the suitcase thereby reaching the interior of the suitcase from any direction (i.e. bottom or top thereof).

In further specific embodiments, the portable suitcase 12 equipped with the handle structure 100 according to the invention further comprises a barrier positioned essentially in the middle of the suitcase, thereby separating the suitcase into two separate parts, each accessible via one of the openings. In further specific embodiments, said barrier is also openable/removable according to need/desire.

Reference will now be made to several embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. Wherever practicable similar or like reference numbers may be used in the figures and may indicate similar or like functionality. The figures depict embodiments of the present invention for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the invention described herein.

FIGS. 1A-1D illustrate known 4-wheeler suitcases with a carrying handle located at the suitcase's wide side (W). Such a configuration forces the user to tilt the suitcase when carrying it or to pull it on all four wheels while straining the wrist.

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate one possible configuration of a 4-wheeler suitcase equipped with a carrying handle structure 100 according to any of the embodiments above located at the suitcase's narrow side (D). FIG. 2A illustrates the handle structure 100 in folded-form, so that it does not protrude beyond the boundaries of the suitcase and as such prevent unintentional grasping of the grip 101 during transport. In this specific embodiment, the lower extendable bar 16 is anchored to a fixed point, e.g., via a hinge. FIG. 2B illustrates the handle structure 100 in open-form, enabling a user to conveniently pull the suitcase 12 around in any terrain without tilting it. In this specific embodiment, the hinge enables the lower extendable bar 16 to move in any angle α relative to the suitcase body. FIG. 2C illustrates a specific embodiment in which the lower extendable bar 16 is connected to the suitcase via a movable anchoring point with a hinge capability: in this configuration, when pulling the handle 100 out from its closed state to its open/extracted state, the anchoring point of the lower bar 16 moves up along a rail and the hinge allows the bar 16 to move in any angle α relative to the suitcase body. When closing the handle 100, i.e. from its open state to its closed state, the anchoring point of the lower bar 16 moves down along a rail and the hinge allows the bar 16 to move closer towards the suitcase body.

In certain embodiments, the handle structure 100 is assembled on the suitcase 12 such that the upper extendable bar 26 is anchored to essentially the center of the suitcase, and the lower extendable bar 16 is anchored to essentially the bottom of the suitcase. In such a configuration, the point of pulling point is essentially at the bottom of the suitcase. In specific embodiments, the lower extendable bar 16 may be retracted and extended along axis 18 while walking. The telescopic lower handle 16 may be attached to a joint which allows the handle 16 to move up and down along axis 20 together with the extraction and retraction of the upper handle 26, which further supports the lower handle. In further specific embodiments, at the opposite end of the telescopic handle 16, another joint 28 may be present for connecting the pulling grasp/grip 101, which allows the grip 101 to be swiveled.

FIGS. 3A and 3B schematically illustrate a suitcase equipped with a handle structure 100 according to any of the embodiments above pulled by a user. As seen, the angle of the user's wrist is such that it does not apply pressure or pulling forces in an unnatural angle thereon, but rather the suitcase is pulled a straight angle as a direct extension of the user's arm. In addition, the adjustable handle structure 100 enables the user to pull the suitcase without bending or shrinking the back and shoulders, thereby reducing the burden of pulling the suitcase's weight. 

1. A handle structure 100 for a wheeled luggage/suitcase 12, said handle structure comprising a grip 101, an upper extendable bar 26, a lower extendable bar 16, and a locking/releasing mechanism, wherein: said handle structure 100 has a closed/folded state in which the handle structure 100 does not extend beyond the suitcase's edges, and an open/extracted state enabling pulling the suitcase 12, and said upper extendable bar 26 is capable of moving essentially along axis 20, and said lower extendable bar 16 is capable of moving essentially along axis 18, thereby enabling positioning said grip 101 at any desired height according to a user's comfort.
 2. The handle structure 100 of claim 1, wherein when in open/extracted state positions the grip 101 at a point that enables applying a pulling force on the suitcase's center of gravity.
 3. The handle structure 100 of claim 1, wherein said locking/releasing mechanism maintains said handle structure 100 at its closed/folded state and prevents unintentional extraction thereof.
 4. The handle structure 100 of claim 1, further comprising a releasing mechanism/button, designed to release said locking/releasing mechanism.
 5. The handle structure 100 of claim 1, further comprising an automatic retraction mechanism designed to return the handle structure 100 back to its closed/folded state upon releasing of the grip
 101. 6. The handle structure 100 of claim 1, further comprising a hinge/joint 28 connecting the grip 101 to the lower extendable bar 16 enabling tilting the grip 101 in any angle.
 7. The handle structure 100 of claim 1, further comprising a hinge/joint 28 connecting the grip 101 to the upper extendable bar 26 enabling tilting the grip 101 in any angle.
 8. The handle structure 100 of claim 1, wherein said lower extendable bar 16 and/or said upper extendable bar 26 are a telescopic arm/rod.
 9. The handle structure 100 of claim 1, wherein said upper extendable bar 26 is capable of moving only along axis
 20. 10. The handle structure 100 of claim 1, wherein said upper extendable bar 26 can move along axis 20, and once fully extracted can tilt up or down.
 11. The handle structure 100 of claim 1, further comprising a hollow recess/chamber into which said upper extendable bar 26 enters when the handle structure 100 is in a folded state.
 12. A handle structure 100 for a wheeled luggage/suitcase 12, said handle structure comprising a grip 101, an upper extendable bar 26, a lower extendable bar 16, and a locking/releasing mechanism, wherein: said handle structure 100 has a closed/folded state in which the handle structure 100 does not extend beyond the suitcase's edges, and an open/extracted state enabling pulling the suitcase 12, and said upper extendable bar 26 is capable of moving essentially along axis 20, and said lower extendable bar 16 is capable of moving essentially along axis 18, thereby enabling positioning said grip 101 at any desired height according to a user's comfort, wherein: when in open/extracted state positions the grip 101 at a point that enables applying a pulling force on the suitcase's center of gravity; said locking/releasing mechanism maintains said handle structure 100 at its closed/folded state and prevents unintentional extraction thereof; and said lower extendable bar 16 and/or said upper extendable bar 26 are a telescopic arm/rod.
 13. The handle structure 100 of claim 12, further comprising at least one of: (a) a releasing mechanism/button, designed to release said locking/releasing mechanism; (b) an automatic retraction mechanism designed to return the handle structure 100 back to its closed/folded state upon releasing of the grip 101; (c) a hinge/joint 28 connecting the grip 101 to the lower extendable bar 16 or to the upper extendable bar 26 enabling tilting the grip 101 in any angle.
 14. A wheeled luggage or suitcase 12 equipped with the handle structure 100 of claim
 1. 15. The wheeled luggage or suitcase 12 of claim 14, comprising two openings—one on each wide side of the suitcase.
 16. The wheeled luggage or suitcase 12 of claim 15, further comprising a barrier essentially in the middle of the suitcase, separating the suitcase into two parts, each accessible via one of said two openings. 